1
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
2
I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
3
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4
LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
5
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8
Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
10
Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
11
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13
O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Psalms 39 Study & Commentary
Overview & Chapter Summary
Psalm 39 is a reflection on the brevity of life and the vanity of human pursuits. David resolves to guard his tongue and acknowledges that man at his best state is "altogether vanity."
Theological Context & Insights
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. Bridling the Tongue: David kept his mouth with a "bridle" while the wicked were before him (v. 1). Silence is often the wisest response to provocation.
2. Measuring our Days: We should pray for God to make us "know mine end" (v. 4). A clear view of death leads to a wise use of life.
3. Strangers and Sojourners: We are but guests on this earth (v. 12). Our true citizenship and home are with God.
Practical Lessons & Daily Application
FORMAL PRAYER
Lord, make us to know our end and the measure of our days. Deliver us from all our transgressions and hear our cry, for we are strangers and sojourners with Thee. Amen.